Get you up to speed: Harry Kane ‘could be knighted’ after Ballon d’Or win | News UK
Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or in a ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday night, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award in 25 years. The Prime Minister congratulated Kane, describing his achievement as ‘extraordinary.’
Harry Kane’s outstanding performance during the 2025-26 season included 73 goals for club and country and two trophies with Bayern Munich. The Prime Minister’s reference to Kane’s achievements highlights his significance to English football and suggests potential recognition, although the honours process remains unconfirmed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Harry Kane on his Ballon d’Or victory, calling it an “extraordinary” achievement and emphasising his role as a role model for young players. England manager Thomas Tuchel also praised Kane’s performances, noting the significance of him being the first Englishman to win the award in 25 years and stating, “we are lucky to have you as our leader.”
What remains unclear — It is not yet confirmed whether Harry Kane will receive a knighthood following his Ballon d’Or win.
Harry Kane could be considered for a knighthood after Ballon d’Or win
Harry Kane could be in line for a knighthood after becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or.
The England captain and Bayern Munich striker was congratulated by the Prime Minister after scooping football’s most prestigious individual award on Monday night.
Downing Street described Kane’s achievement as ‘extraordinary’ and praised him for setting ‘a brilliant example to young players across the country’.
Asked whether the 33-year-old could receive a knighthood, a No 10 spokesperson stopped short of confirming anything was in the works.
‘Everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him in the country,’ she said.
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‘But as ever, I’m not going to pre-empt the honours process.’
The spokesperson also hinted that there could be more silverware on the way for the England skipper, adding: ‘Hopefully, there’s another trophy to celebrate with England before too long.’
This comes after Lamine Yamal’s uncle criticised the decision to award Kane the Ballon d’Or, claiming that football fans pay to see his nephew and not the Bayern Munich and England striker.
Prior to that, former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri also hit out at Kane winning.
The Frenchman told Canal+: ‘Harry Kane, Ballon d’Or…okay, the statistics made the difference.
‘He’s a fantastic player with so many qualities. But he’s never been the player who carried his team somewhere or made his team win in the very big matches. There’s often a slight weakness. But he’s an extraordinary player.’
Kane was met with huge cheers at a ceremony at the London Palladium when Brazilian football legend Ronaldo announced his name as the winner.
Ballon d’Or 2026 top 10
1st: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
2nd: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)
3rd: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)
4th: Rodri (Barcelona and Spain)
5th: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami and Argentina)
6th: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain and Georgia)
7th: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain and France)
8th: Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
9th: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich and France)
10th: Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain and Spain)
The striker said he had been overwhelmed by the moment, particularly with one of his childhood idols presenting him with the award.
‘My heart was beating fast and I was just hoping he would say my name,’ he said.
‘What a legend, Ronaldo was one of my idols growing up, so for him to be the one to present me the award, it’s a dream come true.’
He added: ‘Honestly just so many amazing feelings and to share these moments with my friends and with my family who are here. Yeah, I would say it’s a dream come true, but it’s beyond my wildest dreams.’
Kane’s remarkable 2025-26 season saw him score 73 goals for club and country, win two trophies with Bayern Munich and help lead England to third place at the World Cup.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was among those to congratulate Kane, saying he had ‘run out of superlatives’ to describe the striker’s performances.
He added: ‘To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.’